Bodenburg Butte

Bodenburg Butte is a 0.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Palmer, Alaska that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

A lot of people, but overall fun, a good little work out. Not the toughest thing I’ve hiked but for not doing it for a couple years I was sweating at the top. Gonna try lazy mtn today to see if that’s gonna send it.

So I saw someone say the west side is the steep side that is INCORRECT it's the WEST side that has the stairs and parking lot. People need to keep their dogs leashed and be mindful that it's a small narrow trail with recent sightings of a bear. Also pick up your dog crap it's inconvenient to step in it. Be mindful of other people and respectful of the location, stay on the trail and don't litter. There was wrappers and garbage scattered about at the top. It was beautiful don't get me wrong. I just would like to keep it that way.

Known to locals as The Butte, the Bodenburg Butte Trail can be accessed from either side of the butte. I recommend parking on the north side of the butte which includes about 500 stairs and a more winding approach to the top vs the west side which is quite steep. From the north side take the Old Glenn Hwy to Bodenburg Loop to Mothershead Ln and park about 1/4 mile down the road in a fee area. Don't leave your car parked anywhere else but in the designated lot. If you want to take the steeper route take the Old Glenn Highway to the Bodenburg Loop on the south side of the butte and park in the designated area which is about 1/4 mile off the Old Glenn. If you go to the Reindeer Farm, you went just a bit too far. The Butte offers near 360 degree views of Palmer, the Knik Glacier and surrounding area. If it is a clear day the pictures should be fabulous. All ages are appropriate from the northern access, although, you will have to help or carry the little ones for the part where you have to use the ropes to hoist up.

This is a moderately used short trail on private property within the town of Butte Alaska. The land owners are generous enough to allow public access to hike the Butte. There is a fee tube at the parking area, and a payment of 3 dollars per vehicle is requested. (I think it was 10 dollars for buses) The trail itself is steep and dusty, basically a strait climb up the Butte. The trail becomes heavily braided in parts but most the side trails seem to lead to the top. Depending on which braid in the trail you take you may have a small scrabble about 3/4 of the way up. At the top there is a bench and you are afforded a good view of the Kink and Matanuska rivers, the Kink glacier and the town of Butte. The top can be windy, so plan accordingly. Pet and kid friendly in my opinion.

Tatum Y.

10 months ago

It's a steep climb, but short! The view is amazing!

Kyoung Chul L.

The directions on this bring you to the steeper side, not the side with the stairs. However, it's a very short hike and steep, but not that bad. Great views at the top. Wasn't too crowded, but I went on a weekday late afternoon. I can tell this trail gets crowded at times.

505 stairs makes this trail more moderate for those not used to hiking. The West trail, is easier but less opportunity for scenic views. Not a lot of parking available and fee payment and towing is enforced.

I love this hike! I will be honest, I'm not in the best shape I've ever been in but if you plan on hiking up the Butte with a pretoddler in your hiking packs, it will be a very hard but rewarding trek to the top! If you have a toddler perfectly capable of walking for distances before getting tired, this is a great workout for them! The view, in all angles, is just breathtaking. Like a few other comments say, crowds kind of kill the "be one with nature" mood but it's always a great hike!

Agree with others about family fun but try the easier side - we are from Texas; it was our first hike in Alaska ( moved here 7 days ago ). Looking forward to coming back ( we took 2 12yr, 1 10yr, husband, sister, and 3 yr old along - all were happy ) a little dusty, bring hand wipes

Great hike, but if you start on this side of the Butte, it is shorter but a lot harder, very steep and very dusty. If your carrying or walking with your kids, you are going to have a rough hike. However, if you start on the other side of the Butte, E Motherheads Ln (West Butte Trail) it is a little longer but much easier. It is more family friendly on the West Butte Trail side. The views from each side are amazing. It was a bit windy but it kept the temp low so it felt great! This start point is right next to the reindeer farm to take the family too after a nice hike.